MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas Women were pushed to the brink of elimination in the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament after absorbing a crushing 85-38 defeat to powerhouse Canada on Thursday morning (Philippine time) in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The loss dropped the Philippines to 0-2 in the group stage, leaving Gilas Women needing a victory against Senegal on Friday morning and a favorable result elsewhere to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
Canada, ranked seventh in the world, asserted its superiority from the opening tip, holding the Filipinas to just four points in the first quarter while racing to a commanding 23-4 advantage.
Gilas Women never recovered from the disastrous start as the Canadians sustained their defensive pressure and steadily widened the gap throughout the contest.
Jack Animam was the lone Gilas player to reach double figures, finishing with 11 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Vanessa De Jesus contributed nine points and five rebounds but committed seven of the Philippines’ 23 turnovers.
Kacey Dela Rosa added eight points and five rebounds but struggled from the field, converting only three of her 12 attempts.
Canada overwhelmed the Philippines on the boards, 63-26, with its 26 offensive rebounds producing 21 second-chance points.
The Canadians also capitalized on Gilas’ ball-handling problems, turning the Filipinas’ 23 turnovers into 26 points.
Syla Swords led Canada’s balanced attack with 15 points, while Jasmine Bascoe registered 10 points, four assists and three rebounds.
Cearah Parchment, Shaina Pellington and Agot Makeer contributed nine points apiece.
The victory lifted Canada to 2-0 and assured the Canadians of a semifinal berth, while the Philippines faces a must-win situation against Senegal in its final group-stage assignment./PN
